| Out of a population of 42 million, five million South Africans
are living with HIV/AIDS, and 1,600 more people are infected daily. Last year, 70,000 South African babies were born with HIV, due to lack of access to Nevirapine, a medicine that can greatly reduce the transmission of HIV from a pregnant mother to her child. Thus far, 700,000 South Africans have died from AIDS, and 600 more die daily. Already 660,000 children have been orphaned by AIDS. There are, however, real reasons to have hope. This disease can be prevented and treated. South Africa is also home to some of the world's bravest and most talented AIDS activists and medical professionals. A people that so recently overcame the seemingly insurmountable scourge of apartheid have the spirit and tenacity necessary to bring HIV/AIDS under control.   Photographer: Jonas Bunte |